It’s a tribute to Prasad Raju’s art

By Diablo

Hyderabad
Nov 16, 2003

One of the best stayers in station, Artistic Tribute’s long wait for a handicap race ended here on Sunday (16.11.2003) and the five-year-old gelding duly translated the opportunity into a fashionable victory in the Sri Shamlal Gupta Memorial Cup.
 

Trainer Prasad Raju had once stated that Artistic Tribute was the horse which changed the fate of his stables. A mediocre performer in the first year of his racing career, the Young Senor – Coaltown gelding won almost everything and beat every big runner at home in the following years. As a four-year-old, he managed to pick up terms races in spite of reaching the top end of the ratings. On turning five, however, things became difficult even in terms as they now started favouring youngsters. In this situation, the only way for him was to wait for a weight-for-age terms race or let his rating drop below the terms penalties.

So, when he was assigned 61.5 kilos by the handicapper in the day’s feature event, which is half-a-kilo less than the weight he would get in any terms race, Prasad Raju knew that the race was his. Of course, he could feel so only because he had kept his ward in perfect condition. He had also sized up Artistic Tribute’s form in the previous two races when he made him match strides with youngsters like Coral Gables and Red Orchid, that too over distances that were too sharp for his comfort.

Mohican Chief took off as he always does and quickly got into a five lengths lead over Top Quark and Wind Chimes. Artistic Tribute was ridden off the pace by Dinesh Singh throughout the back stretch. He traveled easy even on the final bend negotiated by the bunch in a single file. 

Turning for home, Mohican Chief appeared to shorten his strides as Top Quark ranged alongside him. Artistic Tribute also came on the scene with giant strides, but in the middle of the track. It ensued in to a three-way tussle as Mohican Chief picked up momentum again on the rails. But under pressure, both Mohican Chief and Top Quark veered out on to middle of the course. As Arvind Joshi and Rutherford were trying to gather their mounts, Artistic Tribute unleashed a brilliant run to go clear inside the final furlong. Wind Chimes took the second spot with a late run, signaling that his turn is not far away.

A word of praise for Prasad Raju will not be out of place, particularly for the perseverance in keeping his prize horse in pink of condition. This is also a lesson to the likes of Timeline who is likely to face similar situation after December when he turns five. Of course, Leo D’Silva is a past master in this business as he had one such horse till last year in Mega Star.

KRK Raju continued to have a great time with two-year-olds. Having won three out of five maiden races already, Raju was on the lips of everyone. And on Sunday even his co-professionals may have begrudged him as he sent out another of his wards, Cannon Edge to a thrilling victory in the Ongole Plate. 

As normal with races meant for youngsters, punters went with pedigree. Best among the known and then the unknown. Satheesh’s Dependable, one of new sire Flitch’s first crop, was backed strongly, while Leo D’Silva’s Aberlour (Razeen out of Hablitzia) was second in the betting ring. Aberlour was a huge disappointment, whereas Dependable went down after giving Cannon Edge a stiff fight. Among his four winners so far, Cannon Edge (Ajaad – Iron Edge) must be rated as the best and he is sure to make it to the top category.

Regal Revolution was the other impressive winner, tucking the Artillery Cup in his saddle right from the gates. Golden Blaze needlessly tried to keep pace with one of the speedy customers who had set pace in many classic events before. The Leo ward paid the price and ran out of steam even before the final bend. 

The trainer was found guilty of giving inconsistent instructions and was duly fined Rs 10,000 by the Stipendiary Stewards. In his last run where he had finished a fair second to superior Integral, Gloden Blaze had come from behind.

With Golden Blaze foregoing the second spot, Sundial picked up his second consecutive prize for the place and he should now pack his bags for the year. While Golden Blaze ran from the front in a nine-furlong race, Ice Castle came from way behind in a scurry, the Kitty Bank Cup. Despite letting Oxford Days to gain a substantial lead, Ice Castle came up with a stretch run to win with a lot to spare at the wire. It is clear that Ice Castle would be better off over middle distances. Days Best, who returned to the track after a long rest, should benefit from this run. 

Both the divisions of the Blue Bird Plate in Category III saw medium upsets. While the lower division was picked up by Ananta Vatsalya’s Abeam who came up from Category IV and was hence neglected, the upper division went to Ceefaxcelt who placed third to The Serow last week. 

Horses to follow: 
Category II: Turtuk (5 years and above), Treasure Gift, Days Best, Oxford Days. 
Category III: Golden Waltz, Flawless, Royal Franchise,Royal Guest.